As always some great honest and entertaining feedback, always a pleasure working with you chaps. and YES, there is a wider last in the our sample room we are working on although there is no set date on when that will be out or if we 100% will launch it.
i hope it does come out! the toe box is what's preventing me from buying these boots, just looks way too narrow on the pinky toe side compared to my other barefoot shoes.
I love the aesthetics of these, they look like my jump boots with the toe cap, but not as bulbous, haha. The boot looks awesome after the treatment too, wow. A black, wider version would most likely get my pennies as I like eight inch height for work boots. The heel rub would be a concern, so I hope they listen to that and maybe adjust their heel stiffener shape, otherwise, you may have to use a heel pad to pull you a bit away from that rubby spot. Thanks for showcasing it.
I’ve been wearing mine for a few weeks now, and freaking loved them! The best barefoot boots I’ve ever worn! Comfortable right out of the box. Only one minor gripe with mine, I needed a little arch support, so I went to my local red wing store and purchased some real good insoles. Now they feel even better! Thanks for the review and cleaning tip!
I think you guys and Weston need to ask Jim Green to narrow down the Barefoot last at the heel (closer to rounded V shape, right now it looks like U shape). Barefoot should be wide in the toes (they fan out), but the heel doesn't really grow more meat.
I could have done with a straighter big toe and pinky toe side on my BFARs! Really unfortunate as I enjoyed how the boots felt underfoot, they were just painful to walk in though because of the toe restriction.
@@nisamvise1724 for me it's more mid foot that could be a tad tighter. A thin insole solved the issue for, playing with lace tightening might give you similar results.
As someone who always wears a 4E and still has to go up half a size I must say that JGs are wide in the right places if we set aside the barefoot, toe box is king rule, for just a second. I have about a dozen brands of barefoot shoes and none of them are as wide as my Rangers in the midfoot, not a single pair. Almost all of them are wider in the toe box though. Actually, I am not sure that width is the issue so much as it is shape in this case. The forefoot is quite wide in these too. Moving back to the toe box. I have the two longest toes being my second and third so this shape works for me. I almost always have an issue with toe box width, even in barefoot shoes, at the pinky not the big toe and barefoot shoes seem to accommodate the other way around. I will say that I think material matters in this case too. The soft leather is so pliable. Something that is restrictive in the instep or has stitching can make boots feel tight (looking at vivo specifically here, lol). I guess it comes down to foot shape and volume. JG's work for me where not much else does. As an aside: I don't like the sock liners into rough leather midsole transition, so I took mine out and made custom veg tan insoles to replace the half sock liner. Anyway, as always, I enjoyed the video and thank you for sharing your experiences, pros and cons.
Jim Green has been quite impressive. I switched to them for a more durable boot than my Lems Boulder Grip. The standard ranger barefoot is slightly less wide than the boulder grip and it’s not nearly comfortable out of the box. Stiff with that same heel rub. However as they break in they have become a great alternative for me. I’d agree with this review though that if they could widen that toe box just a bit these would be perfect.
thanks for another really detailed review guys 🙏 I would really appreciate an update on the heel rub issue as they get more broken in, that's the only reservation I have holding me back from getting a pair of these. I had another pair of 8 inch boots, and the heel rub was so bad I had to give up on them entirely. I absolutely love the barefoot rangers but a little extra ankle cover would be nice for hiking through thorns lol
@@trashcanbees2739 the only time it happened was climbing that mountain, other than that, the heel is stiff but it didn't rub or bother me at all. We'll definitely be featuring these in more videos down the line, so we'll give updates!
Got some Rangers that are 5 years old and have been used from PCT to heavy equipment work boots.....not a stitch has come loose and upper is perfect and only show character....due for soles...
I found the BFARs too narrow whilst the regular ARs are fine - the lack of toe puff makes things snugger I guess. I don't really understand why they insist on having the toes be somewhat pointy. I think they just need to commit to a barefoot last that has a much rounder (or even more square) toe if they want to actually court the barefoot crowd.
I ordered a pair of barefoot ARs in 11. The leather on right boot pinched in on my outside little toe. No way I could got up a size. Everything else about boot was great. Just needed a little more room. Any information on the wider last you teased? Might hold off on ordering Tracker AT/ESC until those release.
The toe caps on the troopers aren't swept back like the rangers. That was one of the things fixed in the iterations. So if your toe was right on the cap line, the troopers will probably be better!
@@mountainroamer5538that’s a solid tip! I kinda want the lower version but might consider thee troopers if ARs don’t get a bit wider. It’s weird that my toes hit the leather. I don’t have particularly wide feet but my little toe was right up against the leather.
I ❤ the JG custom shop. They will make any of their products with the zero-drop barefoot last. Mitigates a lot of my knee and hip aches. My Troopers came sooner than expected and broke in quickly.
Curious to see you guys compare these to the Lem’s Breck boot once it’s available. High top, waterproof, and with a rugged tread. I wonder if the leather + nylon upper can compete with Jim Green’s leather.
@@DankMemes-xq2xm we will probably make a comparison of some kind, but they could not be more different boots. The only thing they really have in common is that they’re both higher on the ankle and they’re both zero drop. That’s about where the similarities end 😂
I'm really curious what you guys think of Austrian shoes and boots GEA. They are flat footwear that is meant to be repaired but it is stiffer than usual barefoot stuff. I really like my Phenix model shoes
Wanted to like these because in the barefoot industry, these are truly premium. But i had the same issue with the heel rubbing causing blisters. Has it gotten any better with time? Think it's the mix of a stiff counter and rough suede texture that gives that resistance once you start to sweat. The perfect blister storm 🤣
Yeah that's the conclusion we've come too as well, the stiffener and the suede. We haven't taken them out on a big hike since the one we show in the video because we've got all these other boots we're testing, but I've worn them around quite a bit and it hasn't been an issue at all, it's just on long sustained inclines that it happens.
@@abhaybaneresyubero5086 been a while since I've had mine on, but I don't remember it being an issue, we also weren't able to take the Rangers up such a long hike because of the snow at the time we got and tested them though, just a lot of shorter hikes. Really it's only been an issue going up sustained steep slopes, in any other situation it hasn't happened.
Really just gonna come down to if you want an 8 inch boot or an ankle cut shoe. Outside of those differences they are extremely similar in feel, look, comfort and performance. Personally I like the Troopers more because of the look and extra protection from the height of the boot.
As always some great honest and entertaining feedback, always a pleasure working with you chaps. and YES, there is a wider last in the our sample room we are working on although there is no set date on when that will be out or if we 100% will launch it.
i hope it does come out! the toe box is what's preventing me from buying these boots, just looks way too narrow on the pinky toe side compared to my other barefoot shoes.
One big vote for releasing these :) I'd love to buy a barefoot stockman and shoellie but the toe box is too restrictive
These reviews are what reviews should be. I hope you get your hands on a pair of the Stockman BF version. Very interested in a deeper review of that.
@@MrCbas17 we've got em! We'll have a dedicated review for them and then they'll be featured in some comparison videos too
@ dope! Looking forward to it.
I love the aesthetics of these, they look like my jump boots with the toe cap, but not as bulbous, haha.
The boot looks awesome after the treatment too, wow.
A black, wider version would most likely get my pennies as I like eight inch height for work boots.
The heel rub would be a concern, so I hope they listen to that and maybe adjust their heel stiffener shape, otherwise, you may have to use a heel pad to pull you a bit away from that rubby spot.
Thanks for showcasing it.
I’ve been wearing mine for a few weeks now, and freaking loved them! The best barefoot boots I’ve ever worn! Comfortable right out of the box. Only one minor gripe with mine, I needed a little arch support, so I went to my local red wing store and purchased some real good insoles. Now they feel even better! Thanks for the review and cleaning tip!
I think you guys and Weston need to ask Jim Green to narrow down the Barefoot last at the heel (closer to rounded V shape, right now it looks like U shape). Barefoot should be wide in the toes (they fan out), but the heel doesn't really grow more meat.
@@CeliceDSCh Yes, a straighter big toe side and a slimmer heel would be a better fit for lots of people.
I could have done with a straighter big toe and pinky toe side on my BFARs! Really unfortunate as I enjoyed how the boots felt underfoot, they were just painful to walk in though because of the toe restriction.
theres heel slip?
@@Geshmaal YES I AGREE. straighter big toe but more space for the pinky
@@nisamvise1724 for me it's more mid foot that could be a tad tighter. A thin insole solved the issue for, playing with lace tightening might give you similar results.
Been waiting for this review! 🙏
As someone who always wears a 4E and still has to go up half a size I must say that JGs are wide in the right places if we set aside the barefoot, toe box is king rule, for just a second. I have about a dozen brands of barefoot shoes and none of them are as wide as my Rangers in the midfoot, not a single pair. Almost all of them are wider in the toe box though. Actually, I am not sure that width is the issue so much as it is shape in this case. The forefoot is quite wide in these too.
Moving back to the toe box. I have the two longest toes being my second and third so this shape works for me. I almost always have an issue with toe box width, even in barefoot shoes, at the pinky not the big toe and barefoot shoes seem to accommodate the other way around.
I will say that I think material matters in this case too. The soft leather is so pliable. Something that is restrictive in the instep or has stitching can make boots feel tight (looking at vivo specifically here, lol).
I guess it comes down to foot shape and volume. JG's work for me where not much else does.
As an aside: I don't like the sock liners into rough leather midsole transition, so I took mine out and made custom veg tan insoles to replace the half sock liner.
Anyway, as always, I enjoyed the video and thank you for sharing your experiences, pros and cons.
I already have a pair. They are fantastic. Keep up these great reviews guys!
I find that when breaking in a boot with heel slip, a tongue pad or kiltie often helps, especially if there is too much volume.
I would definitely need a kiltie in these
Jim Green has been quite impressive. I switched to them for a more durable boot than my Lems Boulder Grip. The standard ranger barefoot is slightly less wide than the boulder grip and it’s not nearly comfortable out of the box. Stiff with that same heel rub. However as they break in they have become a great alternative for me. I’d agree with this review though that if they could widen that toe box just a bit these would be perfect.
thanks for another really detailed review guys 🙏 I would really appreciate an update on the heel rub issue as they get more broken in, that's the only reservation I have holding me back from getting a pair of these. I had another pair of 8 inch boots, and the heel rub was so bad I had to give up on them entirely. I absolutely love the barefoot rangers but a little extra ankle cover would be nice for hiking through thorns lol
@@trashcanbees2739 the only time it happened was climbing that mountain, other than that, the heel is stiff but it didn't rub or bother me at all. We'll definitely be featuring these in more videos down the line, so we'll give updates!
After you applied the leather balm i thought it was the veg tan. But it looks beautiful
Good and thorough analysis! I hope the heel gets better with further break-in aha would appreciate an update come spring. :)
they look so much better than the bearfoot bruin, and cheaper too
Got some Rangers that are 5 years old and have been used from PCT to heavy equipment work boots.....not a stitch has come loose and upper is perfect and only show character....due for soles...
@@Sedona-Faise love it, JG are beasts
I found the BFARs too narrow whilst the regular ARs are fine - the lack of toe puff makes things snugger I guess. I don't really understand why they insist on having the toes be somewhat pointy. I think they just need to commit to a barefoot last that has a much rounder (or even more square) toe if they want to actually court the barefoot crowd.
@@Geshmaal we couldn’t agree more! We put pressure on them every time we talk with them to have a wider toebox last
I ordered a pair of barefoot ARs in 11. The leather on right boot pinched in on my outside little toe. No way I could got up a size. Everything else about boot was great. Just needed a little more room. Any information on the wider last you teased? Might hold off on ordering Tracker AT/ESC until those release.
The toe caps on the troopers aren't swept back like the rangers. That was one of the things fixed in the iterations. So if your toe was right on the cap line, the troopers will probably be better!
@@mountainroamer5538that’s a solid tip! I kinda want the lower version but might consider thee troopers if ARs don’t get a bit wider. It’s weird that my toes hit the leather. I don’t have particularly wide feet but my little toe was right up against the leather.
I ❤ the JG custom shop. They will make any of their products with the zero-drop barefoot last. Mitigates a lot of my knee and hip aches. My Troopers came sooner than expected and broke in quickly.
Curious to see you guys compare these to the Lem’s Breck boot once it’s available. High top, waterproof, and with a rugged tread. I wonder if the leather + nylon upper can compete with Jim Green’s leather.
@@DankMemes-xq2xm we will probably make a comparison of some kind, but they could not be more different boots. The only thing they really have in common is that they’re both higher on the ankle and they’re both zero drop. That’s about where the similarities end 😂
Do an update if the hardware rusts. I had a set of their boots rust out on me, but they did tell me the upgraded their eyelets.
Same here. Had an eyelet rust and come apart. But tbf I was walking through snow/salt slush for a bit so that didnt help.
I'm really curious what you guys think of Austrian shoes and boots GEA. They are flat footwear that is meant to be repaired but it is stiffer than usual barefoot stuff. I really like my Phenix model shoes
@@brunonjezic6208 what company?
Great video
Wanted to like these because in the barefoot industry, these are truly premium. But i had the same issue with the heel rubbing causing blisters. Has it gotten any better with time? Think it's the mix of a stiff counter and rough suede texture that gives that resistance once you start to sweat. The perfect blister storm 🤣
Yeah that's the conclusion we've come too as well, the stiffener and the suede. We haven't taken them out on a big hike since the one we show in the video because we've got all these other boots we're testing, but I've worn them around quite a bit and it hasn't been an issue at all, it's just on long sustained inclines that it happens.
Love mine
Hey, how does sizing work with these. I typically wear a 11 1/2, should I just go for that when they restock?
@@Sulphurrr yeah we go with our normal sizes with Jim Green and that's always worked for us
I didn't think these were even shipping until next month. Are they available now?
The website says boots will be delivered by December '24
Do you get the same rubbing/blister issue with the african ranger?
@@abhaybaneresyubero5086 been a while since I've had mine on, but I don't remember it being an issue, we also weren't able to take the Rangers up such a long hike because of the snow at the time we got and tested them though, just a lot of shorter hikes. Really it's only been an issue going up sustained steep slopes, in any other situation it hasn't happened.
Wouldn't going up a half size, give your toes more wiggle room?
@@kerryrwac they’d be way too long at that point, at least for me (Chris). I’d be tripping over everything
Troopers or Rangers?
Really just gonna come down to if you want an 8 inch boot or an ankle cut shoe. Outside of those differences they are extremely similar in feel, look, comfort and performance. Personally I like the Troopers more because of the look and extra protection from the height of the boot.
They’re too… moofy